Texas bettors have been waiting longer than most. The most recent legalization push passed the Texas House but was blocked in the Senate, leaving the state without any licensed online sports betting market as of 2026. For a state with one of the largest sports fan bases in the country, that outcome is genuinely frustrating — and it places Texas alongside a shrinking group of states where legal mobile wagering simply is not available. Anyone wondering how Texas compares to the national picture can start with the States Without Legal Online Sports Betting in 2026 overview, which tracks every jurisdiction still on the sidelines.

Is online sports betting legal in Texas right now?

No. As of 2026, online sports betting is not legal in Texas. While 32 states plus Washington DC allow statewide online or mobile sports betting through licensed operators, Texas is not among them. The legislative effort stalled in the Senate despite House approval, and no special session or follow-up vote has changed that status. Until a bill clears both chambers and is signed into law, no licensed sportsbook app — not DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, or any other regulated operator — can legally accept wagers from Texas residents.

Can Texans use offshore sportsbooks in the meantime?

Some Texas bettors turn to offshore or unlicensed sportsbooks precisely because those sites do not enforce state-level restrictions the same way licensed US operators do. However, offshore sportsbooks operate outside the US state licensing system entirely and do not provide the state-mandated consumer protections or secure, legitimate payment channels that come with licensed platforms. If a dispute arises over a withheld withdrawal or a closed account, there is no state regulator to contact. That is a meaningful risk, particularly for bettors depositing large amounts. Additionally, bettors physically located in a non-legal state will be blocked from placing bets on licensed platforms even if they reside in a legal state, and using a VPN to circumvent geolocation checks violates operator terms of service and may result in permanent account closure.

What legal options exist near Texas?

Bettors who travel to a neighboring state with legal online wagering can place bets using a licensed app, provided their device's geolocation confirms they are physically inside that state's borders at the time of wagering. The table below shows relevant states for Texas travelers, compared on key attributes.

State Online Betting Legal? Launch Date Notable Operators Available
Colorado Yes May 2020 DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars
Kansas Yes September 1, 2022 DraftKings, FanDuel, ESPN BET, Fanatics
Louisiana Yes (55 of 64 parishes) January 28, 2022 DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars
Texas No N/A None (no licensed market)

Which sportsbooks should Texas bettors bookmark for when legalization happens?

The operators most likely to launch in Texas once legislation passes are the same national brands already live across dozens of states. Reviewing those platforms now is a practical move — account setup, payment method familiarity, and bonus terms all take time to understand. The DraftKings Sportsbook Review: Is It Worth Signing Up in 2026? is a solid starting point given DraftKings' footprint across virtually every legal state. For a broader ranked comparison, the Best Online Sportsbooks in the USA — 2026 Rankings covers all major licensed operators with side-by-side analysis. Additional context on how state law affects access is available in Online Sports Betting Legality: Your State-by-State Questions Answered.

State legality and bonus availability change as new markets open; always verify current legal status and operator availability before depositing. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.